Spreading Joy! Art with Meaning and Purpose

Love Lives Here ©2012

Time for a glimpse of painting from my art studio- here are a few of my recent pieces. A lot of love goes into the pieces I create, whether it's a simple piece like Love Lives Here (above) or a larger painting. I believe it's important to follow your passion and encourage other people to follow their passions. I believe in honoring nature, animals and connecting with all living beings. I believe in appreciating and loving each other more. I believe in dreams, hope, faith and cooperation, not competition. I believe in joy and abundance for everyone. I hope that my art will inspire you, too.

These pieces are all available in the RPS gift shop as 5x7 or 8x10 matted prints. And as a bonus, 20% on all orders today for 12/12/12 Love!  Orders can still arrive by Christmas if placed this week. Browse the shop: http://www.robinphillipsstudio.com/store

I'm also excited to offer a selection of my artwork as greeting cards, framed prints, canvas wraps and acrylic mounted prints in many different sizes on Fine Art America: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/robin-phillips.html. I love how you can see the color palette in each painting to match it to your room's decor on FAA. Super cool! FAA will guarantee delivery by Christmas for orders placed by Dec 18.

Awakening ©2012  8"x6"

 ~At the moment of spiritual awakening, love and light forever surrounds us.~
Awakening is about opening to Spirit. The eye symbolizes the opening of the Third Eye Chakra, and the lotus blossom represents purity, regeneration and wisdom. I painted this piece on a small 6x8 canvas in acrylic.

Joyful Spirit ©2012   8"x6"

~At the ocean, birds soar high and fly free. Resting happily on the sand, they perch on a log or scurry in the sand with such delight ~
This piece was inspired by the spirit of birds at the shore. Originally, I painted this as an inspirational gift for my Dad, who is an avid bird watcher. And, of course my name represents a cheerful bird as well :) Birds symbolize how we can be free spirits too. Every year I donate a bird painting to the Audubon Society for their local fundraiser.

Coyotes Under the Moon ©2011 9"x12"

~Coyotes dance in the mist, a magical night awaits. Dance, play and be happy! ~
 This piece was inspired by the coyote, a playful spirit. In Oregon, where I live, we see coyotes even in the city around forested areas. One day, after an unusual snow fall, I was out with my dog in a forested park. In the clearing, a coyote pranced out of the woods and came within several feet of us. This painting captures that playful moment.

For a little tour inside my (old) studio see :http://robinphillipsstudio.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-studio.html

(Update 2013- I have now moved into a wonderful new home with a sunroom studio- Tour my new studio and garden here! )

 ~Love, peace and blessings to you in the new year coming~

Inspirational Book: Wishes Fulfilled

Inspirational books are often on my office bookshelf. While spiritual/inspirational authors don't always give direct business advice, many of them offer mental success strategies and encouragement to follow your dreams which is so important for creative solopreneurs! 

Recently, I read Wishes Fulfilled by Wayne Dyer. I've read many of his books, as well as other Hay House inspirational authors. However, this one impacted me more strongly than others. It's his latest book which focuses on creating the life you want to live, the life of your dreams.

There are countless authors writing about manifestation and reaching goals. Many have series of steps to follow or indirect advice. Wishes Fulfilled stands out with a simple, yet powerful underlying spiritual message, "I AM (everything I want)." You are already there. Embrace it wholeheartedly. You are connected to it, and to the divine. It isn't outside of you or far away. Everything is possible with this understanding including healings, life goals, money.... I felt an Aha! moment after reading the first few chapters. I didn't get lost in lots of steps or vague messages to sort out.

I felt a strong message of love from this book, which struck me deeply. My favorite quote from this book is "When you realize your own magnificence, you will only attract magnificence in your life." (Ch 5, pg 93).  So often we doubt ourselves or discount our abilities, but faith and love are simply what we need to make it happen. Wayne Dyer writes about faith and spirituality in a way that respects all traditions and beliefs. I think this unity consciousness is one of his greatest merits as an author/speaker.

Overall, I think the heart of this book was more compelling than the stories in the beginning or life experience examples near the ending. There are many insights in this book that I learned before in other books and understood intellectually, but a piece of the puzzle was still missing for me. In this book I found that piece, and I feel it in my heart. It is a book I will come back to again and again!

Have you read this one?  If so, I'd love to hear your comments!

This link will give you a 20% discount if you'd like to purchase Wishes Fulfilled. 20% discount on Wishes Fulfilled
FTC Disclosure: I have received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product. If you'd like information on becoming a Hay House reviewer, visit www.hayhousebooknook.com

Rainbow Angels and Art Ornaments

So much news to share, spending a lot of time prepping items for the holiday season! I love this time of year, the days are softer and it feels so cozy inside. Now the heat is turned on and we enjoyed the last of our harvest from the garden. Making lots of new art gifts and pattern designs right now. And rainbow angels are fluttering around and about! Here's a peek inside my studio:

I start with a cotton form, that I cut from fabric, stuff and paint with primer. The heads are sculpted from Paperclay and then dried. After the first few, I made a mold to use. The faces are in antique white, gold or bronze, to honor all cultures :) I add a wire on the back for hanging.

Angel making!

Their dresses are mini paintings. Many messages...all about love. unity. peace. hope. dreams. 

Circle of love :)

Every one I make is unique... See them all at www.robinphillipsstudio.com/store

Ornament sets!

Also making lots of ornaments for holiday season gift sets! I use recycled tiles from Portland's Rebuilding Center. Then, I varnish on glossy prints of my paintings with inspirational messages. Reusing and making beautiful :)

The ornaments are also available in the RPS Etsy shop and selected Portland gift shops/galleries. I post news/pictures often on RPS Facebook page, check it out!

Once in a while, I take on a unique project. These Early America dolls were made especially for American at Heart gift shop. I found Civil War era reproduction fabrics and gave the dolls an aged look with paints and varnishes, modeled after the Izannah Walker 1800's antique dolls. I designed all the patterns for the dolls bodies and dresses, and I may release this as a craft pattern in the future!

Stay tuned for pics and details about my new quilt and cross stitch patterns!

Early Autumn

All around, I'm seeing and feeling the beauty of early autumn. There's a slight wind in the air and the squirrels and the crows are dancing around. Picking plums, apples and pears from the trees in my yard. Sipping a double spice chai tea. Today I took the sweetest walk, just seeing sights in my small town neighborhood. Love this time of year!

And in the studio, I'm working on Early America dolls for a local shop! I designed the patterns a few years back, and it's fun to bring these out again. They are somewhat inspired by the historical Izannah Walker dolls, I fell in love with them and wanted to make something like one myself. The dolls have sculpted Paperclay heads, and painted cloth bodies. I will paint their faces and give their feet boots with laces. Then I will sew simple dresses and petticoats for them from these pretty fall, Civil War reproduction fabrics. More on these coming as I finish them!

And, my Country Apple quilted pillow pattern is now available on Craftsy. Two pillows are included in this one- an applique and a patchwork. Enjoy!

Creative websites + inspiration

I absolutely enjoy helping other artists and creative businesses promote their work. Here are some artist websites/logos I have designed in the last few months!

Check out the beautiful fall fashion jewelry and wraps at:
www.treloarcouture.com 

See gorgeous asian inspired abstract art at:
www.heidedavis.com
 
A grand new website shop for Robin Phillips Studio is in the works too! Until then, my current shop is still open at www.etsy.com/shop/RobinPhillipsStudio  :)

Graphic + Web Passion

Graphic and web design is one of my creative passions. Many of my clients are small businesses, non-profits or creative women planning special events such as weddings, holidays or baby showers. Ask me about creative logos, illustrations, business cards, invitations or new websites. If you're looking for a simple, low-cost website, I'll set you up with WordPress and teach you how to update your site. I'll connect you with affordable online printers, and help you every step of the way. And coming soon... I'll be introducing an ongoing selection of design templates and printables for creative DIYers.

Check out my latest design work at:www.robinphillipsstudio.com/design.html

Summer Home and Garden

Everything is so abundant right now! I love walking around my little neighborhood, taking it all in. I live in a small countryish town, right outside the city. Even in our own yard, so much beauty...

 

The garden is doing amazing again this year. I've just picked herbs, zucchini, lettuces, peapods, cabbage and artichokes. Hopefully tomatoes and eggplant soon!

 

Outside my studio window... Iko cat watches me in the garden :)

Fresh lavendar...

 The old cottage door, a door on the house we don't use... isn't it charming? :)

Rose sketches.....

And... new art! I just released these fun wall decor panels, on sale through Sunday in the Etsy shop! Really excited about these, many of my paintings are combined with inspirational quotes. The panels are 4x4 and 6x6 wood blocks with hooks for easy hanging. 12 different designs  :)

Beach Cottage

A magical summer weekend at a beach cottage on the Oregon coast. I love the ocean, the mist, the sights and smells. I could get lost on the beach forever! The way driftwood washes on the beach and the ripples in the sand. Fresh fish to fry and eat, games and movies, and a sky that never ends....

Cape Perpetua State Park, many fun trails and views!

The dogs swam and played and fought over sticks and frisbees :)

Inside the cottage, we put together a Charles Wysocki puzzle. I love his sweet, folk art America scenes :) Had to get another one to work on at home!

And cottage inspiration came home with me.... Here's the start of my beach cottage quilt table runner. First I created the pattern and measurements on the computer, and then started piecing. I hope to have the pattern available for sale soon. Stay tuned for more details!  Update: The Beach Cottage Table Runner sewing pattern is now available in the RPS gift shop!

A super cute beach cottage pattern from Country Cottage Needleworks, I had to get this one! I just love the effect of the variegated threads in the trees and roof. Crescent Colors Willow is used in the trees.

The Old Beach Cottage ©2012

And finally, I started a new painting inspired by the cottage, still working on the details....
See more of my art on RPS Facebook,  where I post new images often. Happy July!